Villarreal coach gives two reasons Chukwueze was not at his best earlier this season

Samuel Chukwueze has rediscovered his best form in recent matches, starring as Villarreal defeated Dinamo Zagreb in the second leg of the Europa League, before netting his first career brace against Levante last weekend.

Though he is now playing at a high level, the Nigeria national teamer had previously struggled and was a shadow of himself during the Super Eagles' international matches last month, so much so that the few Nigerian fans at the stadium called for his replacement during the second half against the Republic of Benin.

Villarreal boss Unai Emery explained that Chukwueze was not at his best because he was struggling with an injury and wasn't played in his preferred position in some matches.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the match against Deportivo Alavés at Medizorrotza, Emery stated : "Samu has been playing for two games at a level that, throughout the season, he had occasionally done little, due to minor injuries or perhaps not being quite the way he wanted on the pitch, but now he has.

"So, if he is not on the field of play, we have to find other alternatives or ways to try to meet those characteristics.

"We cannot, in a week where many games are played, not take into account the ability to respond at the mental level and at the physical level."

In 35 outings across all competitions for the Yellow Submarine this term, Chukwueze has scored four goals while producing seven assists.

Igho Kingsley